Mazz Sources: Red Sox Legitimately Want Jon Lester Back

BOSTON (CBS) – It’s not just a PR spin for the fans. The Red Sox really do want Jon Lester back, according to Mazz sources.

Similar to Wiggy Leaks, 98.5 The Sports Hub’s Tony Massarotti is “in the know” much more than he leads on and has good inside information around the Boston sports scene.

“I think there’s a chance that they try to bring Jon Lester back,” said Mazz.

“Mazz does not throw nearly as much crap against the wall, as it seems,” joked Mike Felger. “He actually talks to people, is actually informed on some things, and it’s not 100 percent crap throwing. There’s actually some discussions going on behind the scenes.”

“He’s one of the guys on the program that people actually like in real life,” added Marc “Beetle” Bertrand.

Tony fears (like ESPN’s Gordon Edes) that he’s getting spun, but — like the Red Sox — is leaving the door open for a possible reunion.

“I still doubt it and I’ll believe it when I see it. But it’s one of two things: they have legitimately concocted a conspiracy. They went to Lester ahead of time and said, ‘We want to bring you back, but in the short term it makes sense to trade you. We can go get a bat that helps you next year and beyond. Don’t take it personally we’ll see you in November.’

“I think it’s possible that it’s either a conspiracy, or the Red Sox are trying to cover their ass. They’re telling everybody this now so they look good when they eventually lose him, and they can say, ‘Well the market just went haywire.'” It’s one thing to make a run at him, and it’s one thing to seal the deal. You never know. It’s possible. But I think deep down they don’t want to pay him.”

Mazz also added that he believes the baseball operations department are the ones really pushing for his return. It makes sense, because ownership’s stance on long-term contracts for players over 30 is well established by now.